Current Status and Prospects of China Motorcycle Brands in the International Market

Jun 03, 2025 by 1917Motors

 

🚀 ​Current Status and International Market Performance​

  1. ​Accelerated Global Expansion​

    • ​Market Coverage: Chinese brands (e.g., CFMoto, Zongshen, Lifan) have entered mainstream markets in Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, dominating developing regions like Asia and Africa.
    • ​Export Scale: Motorcycle exports grew by ​18%​​ in the first half of 2024, with annual exports expected to exceed ​20 million units. Large-displacement models (250cc+) accounted for ​10.4%​​ of exports, showing significant growth.

  2. ​Competitiveness Transformation​

    • ​Technology Upgrades: Brands now widely adopt core technologies like liquid-cooled engines, ABS, and electronic fuel injection, shedding the "low-quality" label.
    • ​Strategic Partnerships: CFMoto's joint venture with KTM and QJMOTOR's acquisition of Benelli accelerated technology integration and global channel expansion.

⚙️ ​Key Growth Drivers​

  1. ​Product Portfolio Premiumization​

    • ​Large-Displacement Boom: Domestic sales of 250cc+ motorcycles surged from ​110,000 units​ (2019) to ​400,000 units​ (2024), with a CAGR of ​28.8%​. Penetration reached ​7.5%​, projected to double by 2030.
    • ​Diversified Offerings: Sport street bikes (QJMOTOR), cruisers (BENDA), and adventure models (LONCIN) cater to global demand.

  2. ​Electrification Leadership​

    • Chinese electric two-wheelers hold ​**>80%​​ of the global market, led by Yadea and ZNEN. The market is projected to reach ​​$23.87 billion by 2032**​ (CAGR 9.46%).
    • Lithium batteries, fast-charging systems, and smart features (e.g., IoT) differentiate Chinese brands overseas.

🌍 ​Regional Strategies and Challenges​

​Market Type​ ​Strategy​ ​Representative Brands​
​Developed​ Premium positioning, design/performance focus CFMoto (Europe), BENDA (North America)
​Emerging​ Cost-effectiveness + localization Lifan (Southeast Asia), Zongshen (Africa)
​Global​ E-commerce + motorsport marketing QJMOTOR (MotoGP), LONCIN (exhibitions)
  • ​Major Challenges:
    • Strict safety/emission certifications in Europe/North America (e.g., Euro 5).
    • Lower brand recognition vs. Japanese rivals (Honda, Yamaha).
    • Geopolitical risks disrupting supply chains.

🔮 ​Future Trends and Prospects​

  1. ​Growth Projections​

    • Overseas market value nears ​​¥1 trillion (2024)​, with Chinese brands' share expected to rise from ​10% to 20%+​.
    • Electric motorcycle exports to grow ​**>25% annually**, becoming a core growth driver.

  2. ​Innovation Directions​

    • ​Technology: Hydrogen-powered R&D (e.g., Loncin), autonomous two-wheeler tech.
    • ​Ecosystem: Export of riding culture (clubs, races) and derivative consumption (gear/tourism), valued at ​​¥500 billion.

  3. ​Policy Support​

    • "Belt and Road" infrastructure projects deepen market access in Asia/Africa.
    • Easing domestic "motorcycle bans" shifts capacity toward premium/exports.

💎 ​Conclusion​

Chinese motorcycle brands are transitioning from ​​"volume exports" to "brand globalization"​:

  • ​Short-term: Leverage EV advantages and cost efficiency to capture market share.
  • ​Long-term: Break high-end technology barriers and build cultural resonance.
    With sustained R&D and localized operations, ​3-5 brands could rank among the global top 10 by 2030.

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